The WABRC team members are engaged across a variety of programs, providing their respective expertise to member projects as needed. This collaborative approach enables efficiencies, in depth exploration and application of concepts to inform clinical and best practice in the field.
Growth, Development & Aging
Leads: Prof Siafarikas & Prof Prince
Optimising bone growth and bone mass through-out childhood, adolescence and into adulthood is essential to reduce the primary or secondary causes of osteoporosis, and incidence of fractures through lifestyle interventions and modifiable factors.
Developmental Coordination Disorder
Leads: Dr Chivers & Ms Tan
Children, adolescents and adults with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) or Low Motor Competence (LMC) are prediposed to reduced and inefficient mechanical loads that leads to low bone mass and reduced bone density through-out life.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Leads: Prof Siafarikas & Dr Joshi
A genetic disorder impacting collagen production and quality with various sub-types, all inducing various levels of fragility. While considered rare relative to other clinical disorders, children and adults with osteogenesis imperfecta will benefit from programs that target muscle-bone strength and movement control and quality.
Bone Imaging and Analysis
Leads: Dr Rantalainen & Dr Hart
Macroscopic and microscopic examination of material, structural and geometrical characteristics of bones provide critical information pertaining to bone morphology, bone health and bone strength. Imaging of muscle mass and quality is also of key interest.
Oncology and Carcinogenesis
Lead: Dr Hart
Cancer treatments, and the disease itself, can negatively effect bone mass and bone structure through numerous mechanisms. Non-pharmacological programs for cancer patients and survivors to preserve or improve bone health and strength is critically important.
Athlete Development & Injury Management
Lead: Dr Hart
Stress fractures and traumatic fractures are common in running-based or field-based sports where overuse or impact (collisions) can lead to skeletal degradation or failure. Effective musculoskeletal screening coupled with prophylactic and remedial mechanical loading programs are critical to target muscle and bone.